L E S S O N 1 3 : T H E R O O T – C U R-

HONORS ENGLISH I VOCABULARY

-CUR-

• Derived from the Latin verb currere, meaning “to run,” many English words use this root.

CONCURRENT

• (adjective)Occurring at the same time; simultaneous.

• Example: Often times in Honors English, students must juggle several assignments concurrently.

COURIER

• (noun) A messenger, typically one involved in a diplomatic transaction.

• Example: In Harry Potter’s magical world, owls are couriers of information.

CURSORY

• (adjective)• a. Hasty• b. Not thorough

• Example: Because Jim only gave a cursory look at the question, he chose the wrong answer.

DISCURSIVE

• (adjective) • a. Rambling; digressive.• b. Covering a wide range of subjects.

• Example: The student’s discursive essay had good points, but it was difficult to follow.

INCUR

• (trans verb) • a. To bring something upon oneself; become subject to.

• Example: Because she snuck out, took the car, and came home late, Jenny incurred many consequences.

INCURSION

• (trans verb) • a. An attack on or an invasion of enemy territory; a raid.• b. An act of entering another’s territory or domain.

• Example: Due to Mike’s little sister’s frequent incursions on his room, he purchased a lock for his door.

PRECURSOR

• (noun) Something or someone that precedes something else; a forerunner.

• Example: Batman Begins is the precursor to The Dark Night.

RECOURSE

• (noun) • a. A turning to someone or something for aid or support.• b. A source of help or strength.

• Example: People often find recourse during difficult times in their loved ones.

RECURRENT

• (adjective) Happening repeatedly; occurring over and over.

• Example: The recurrent symbol in the novel led to its strong theme.

SUCCOR

• (noun) Help in time of distress.• (trans verb) To give aid or comfort in time of

distress.

• Example: Florence Nightingale, the founder of the nursing profession, provided succor to soldiers wounded in the Crimean War (1853-1856).